Students will return to Monroe-Woodbury schools on Sept. 22

Monroe-Woodbury Superintendent of Schools Elsie Rodriguez told parents and students in an email this week that schools “will welcome students back to our buildings beginning Tuesday, Sept. 22.”

Rodriguez wrote:

“As you may be aware, a group of 75 students gathered on school property on Tuesday, September 8, and did not wear masks or remain socially distanced. As a result of this gathering, we have received several inquiries asking the school district to consider delaying the reopening of schools for an additional week.

“Based on guidance from Dr. Irina Gelman, Commissioner of the Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH), the school district will not delay the reopening of school buildings. We will continue to move forward with the district’s reopening plan and will welcome students back to our buildings beginning Tuesday, Sept. 22.

“Additionally, late Friday evening we were notified that a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. We have followed all health and safety protocols as mandated by the OCDOH.

“A few reminders as students prepare to return to the buildings:

‘According to the OCDOH public health order, all students and staff are required to wear masks and maintain six-feet of social distance while in buildings and on school grounds. If a student refuses to comply with this order, parents/guardians will be contacted and the student will be put on remote instruction.

“We recognize that all students, particularly our younger students, will require mask breaks during the school days. The instructional team will continue to support our students by offering breaks and educating them about the importance of wearing masks. We know this is a new protocol for all students, and we will work with them during this adjustment period.

“Our primary focus remains on supporting our staff and readying our buildings for the return of students on Tuesday, September 22.”